Turmeric Has Promising Antifungal Effects

• Types of Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are on the rise, along with growing fungal resistance to conventional drugs. Researchers suggest that turmeric compounds may be valuable herbal alternatives in counteracting this alarming trend. Studies show turmeric could help prevent and treat both skin and systemic fungal infections. Turmeric compounds may even help lower the risk of infection from conditions that increase susceptibility. ^{(v.22, 58, 99)}

One of the reasons for increasing resistance is because many conventional antifungal treatments only inhibit fungal growth. They do not actually kill the organisms. This allows the fungi less vulnerable to treatment to survive and replicate, producing more resistant strains. ^(v.100)

In addition, the few classes of effective antifungal drugs often come with serious toxic side effects. Unfortunately, newer compounds or modifications of older drugs often trade less toxicity for reduced effectiveness. Lab tests show that using compounds in turmeric with some antifungal drugs dramatically increases their effectiveness. Combining safe turmeric compounds with these antifungal drugs could mean lower drug doses and less toxic side effects. ^{(v.100, 101)}

Who's at Risk for Fungal Infections?

Our immune systems help keep us safe from fungal infections. People with suppressed or immature immune systems are at higher risk of infection, including potentially fatal invasive fungal infection. ^(v.100)

We often think of newborn infants, the elderly, and people with AIDS when we hear the phrase immune compromised. However, other acute and chronic conditions, and even the medications used to treat them, can also impair or overwhelm the immune system. People with these conditions are also more susceptible to superficial skin and systemic fungal infections. These conditions include: ^{(v.58, 100, 102)}

• Alcoholism
• Antibiotics
• Burns (severe)
• Cancer and chemotherapy
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Diabetes
• Malnutrition
• Organ transplants
• Skin lesions
• Steroids (long-term)
• Surgery

Disrupting the balance of the normal flora can also make us more susceptible to infection. For example, antibiotics can disturb the natural balance of organisms and allow an unhealthy overgrowth of normally benign fungi. ^(v.34)

Types of Fungal Infections

Some fungi are often found on skin and mucous membrane surfaces in humans and can cause superficial infections. Candida yeasts are a prime example of this type of fungus. ^{(v.73, 102-105)}

The most common types of fungal infections are in fact superficial skin conditions, such as pityriasis versicolor and athlete's foot. If they get access to deeper tissue, however, fungi can cause dangerous systemic infections. Fungi such as Aspergillus flavus can also produce cancer-causing substances called aflatoxins. ^{(v.27, 73, 102-108)}

Fungi that cause both skin and systemic infections include the following: